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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that affects the macula. The macula is the part of your retina responsible for seeing objects in sharp, clear detail.
AMD is the main cause of permanent central vision loss in adults over 50 in developed countries.
AMD does not cause complete blindness, but it can make daily activities that rely on central vision much harder. These activities include reading, driving, recognizing faces, and doing tasks that need fine detail.
What Does the Macula Do?
The macula is responsible for helping you:
- See fine details clearly.
- Read the small print.
- Recognize faces
- Drive safely
- Distinguish colors and contrast.
If the macula is damaged, your central vision can become blurry or distorted. Your side (peripheral) vision usually stays normal.
Types of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
There are two main types of AMD. Each type develops in a different way and has its own risks.
Dry Macular Degeneration
- Dry AMD is the most common type. It makes up about 80 to 90 percent of all AMD cases.
- It develops when the tissue in the macula becomes thin, and yellow deposits called drusen build up under the retina.
- Vision loss from dry AMD usually occurs gradually over time.
- In some cases, dry AMD can get worse and reach an advanced stage called geographic atrophy. In this stage, parts of the retina stop working.
Wet Macular Degeneration
- Wet AMD is less common than dry AMD, but it often causes more severe vision loss.
- Wet AMD happens when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. These vessels can leak fluid or blood.
- Wet AMD can cause sudden and rapid loss of central vision.
- Getting treatment quickly is important to help prevent more vision loss from wet AMD.
Dry AMD can turn into wet AMD at any stage, so it is important to monitor your eyes regularly.
Early and Advanced Symptoms of AMD
AMD often develops without any noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages.
Common symptoms of AMD include:
- Blurred or distorted central vision
- Straight lines appearing wavy (metamorphopsia)
- Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
- Dark or empty spot in the center of vision (central scotoma)
- Reduced contrast sensitivity
- Difficulty adapting to low-light environments
- Colors appear faded or less vivid.
These symptoms can affect one or both eyes. They often get worse as AMD progresses.
Causes and Risk Factors of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
AMD develops because of a combination of factors. These include your genes, your environment, and your lifestyle choices.
Major Risk Factors
- Age (risk increases significantly after 50)
- Family history and genetics
- Smoking (the strongest modifiable risk factor)
- Obesity
- High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
- High cholesterol
- Long-term UV light exposure
- Poor diet (low in antioxidants and omega-3s)
Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will definitely get AMD. Managing your risk factors can help slow down the disease.
How Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Diagnosed?
Your eye doctor can diagnose AMD during a comprehensive eye exam. This exam may include several tests to assess your vision and detect changes in your retina.
- Visual acuity test: measures clarity of vision
- Dilated fundus exam: allows direct visualization of the macula
- Amsler grid test: detects distortion or central vision loss
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): detailed cross-sectional imaging of the retina
- Fluorescein angiography: identifies leaking abnormal blood vessels
- Indocyanine green angiography: evaluates deeper choroidal vessels
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is now the best way to diagnose and monitor AMD.
Treatment Options for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Dry AMD
There is no cure for dry AMD, but you can take steps to help slow it down.
- AREDS-based nutritional supplements
- Smoking cessation
- A healthy diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3s
- Regular monitoring
Wet AMD
Wet AMD needs urgent treatment to help preserve your vision. Treatment options include:
- Anti-VEGF injections (first-line therapy)
- Laser therapy (selected cases)
- Photodynamic therapy (less commonly used today)
Getting treatment early can make a big difference in keeping your vision.
Preventing or Slowing the Progression of AMD
You cannot always prevent AMD, but you can take steps to slow it down.
- Quitting smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating antioxidant-rich foods
- Protecting eyes from UV exposure
- Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
- Exercising regularly
- Having regular comprehensive eye exams
Making healthy lifestyle changes is especially helpful if you have early or intermediate AMD. These changes can help protect your vision.
Living With Age-Related Macular Degeneration
If you have advanced AMD, low-vision rehabilitation can help you stay independent and keep your quality of life.
- Magnifying devices
- High-contrast reading aids
- Electronic visual aids
- Adaptive lighting
- Vision rehabilitation programs
Even with advanced AMD, your side vision usually stays useful. With training and support, you can learn how to use your remaining vision as much as possible.
Key Facts About Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- AMD is a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
- It is the main cause of central vision loss in people over 50.
- Wet AMD usually causes vision loss that is faster and more severe than dry AMD.
- Smoking is one of the strongest risk factors for developing AMD.
- Women are slightly more likely to develop AMD than men.
- Finding AMD early can improve your chances of keeping your vision.
- Ongoing research continues to look for new and better treatments for AMD.
FAQ
Is age-related macular degeneration curable?
No, but treatments can slow progression and preserve vision.
No, but treatments can slow progression and preserve vision.
Does AMD cause total blindness?
No. Peripheral vision is usually preserved.
No. Peripheral vision is usually preserved.
Can dry AMD turn into wet AMD?
Yes, and this requires urgent treatment.
Yes, and this requires urgent treatment.
How often should I have my eyes checked if I have AMD?
At least once a year, or more often if advised by your ophthalmologist.
At least once a year, or more often if advised by your ophthalmologist.
Final Medical Advice
Age-related macular degeneration is a long-term condition, but it can be managed.
Early diagnosis, regular eye exams, healthy lifestyle choices, and proper treatment can all help you keep your vision and maintain your quality of life.
Early diagnosis, regular eye exams, healthy lifestyle choices, and proper treatment can all help you keep your vision and maintain your quality of life.
If you are over 50 or have a family history of AMD, it is very important to get regular eye exams to protect your vision.
